Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! This dish is a dream come true for busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting and delicious without all the fuss. Picture this: rich chicken sausage nestled with tender orzo, all swimming in a velvety cream sauce. You’ll get the burst of freshness from juicy cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach, making every bite a delight! And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze! Trust me, once you indulge in this creamy goodness, you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation forever!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. Make sure to grab these ingredients before you start cooking!
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced: I love using a flavorful chicken sausage. You can find various options like Italian or spicy for an extra kick!
- 1 cup orzo pasta: This tiny pasta is perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it rich and decadent—don’t skimp on it!
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: They bring sweetness and brightness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for that aromatic flavor—trust me, it elevates everything!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a bit to get everything cooking nicely in the skillet.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are your finishing touches to bring all the flavors together!
How to Prepare the Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Now, let’s get cooking this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! Trust me, the steps are super simple, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Just follow along, and I promise it’ll be as easy as pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Wait until it shimmers a bit—this means it’s ready!
- Now, add your sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute. You want that garlic to soften and release its flavor without burning, so keep an eye on it!
- Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook everything together until the spinach wilts down, which should take another 2-3 minutes. This is when your kitchen will start smelling fantastic!
- Time to add the star of the show! Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta along with 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick!
- Finally, pour in that luscious cup of heavy cream and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, and voilà—dinner is served!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite sausage—pork, turkey, or even a plant-based option work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a milk alternative like almond or coconut milk. Just know that it might not be as rich and creamy, but it’ll still taste great!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is super versatile. You can toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly for any firmer veggies to ensure everything is cooked perfectly!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free chicken sausage and confirm that your chicken broth is gluten-free, you’re all set! Don’t forget to check those labels to be safe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-skillet wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy flavors that are simply irresistible.
- Loaded with nutritious veggies like spinach and tomatoes.
- Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Tips for Success
To really nail this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, here are my top tips. First, don’t be shy with the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can elevate the flavors beautifully. If you want a hint of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage. Also, keep an eye on the orzo while it simmers; stirring occasionally helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. And if you have fresh herbs on hand, like basil or parsley, sprinkle some on top just before serving for a burst of freshness. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve included general estimates for this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, feel free to reach out if you’re looking for more precise data tailored to your choices. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up a bit. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be sure not to overcook it; you want that creamy goodness to stay rich and delightful!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking to round out your meal, I highly recommend pairing this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet with a crisp green salad. A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish perfectly! You could also serve it alongside some garlic bread for that extra indulgence—who doesn’t love dipping bread into creamy sauce? And for a touch of brightness, a side of roasted vegetables works beautifully, adding color and flavor to your plate. Enjoy every bite!
Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A rich and creamy dish featuring chicken sausage and orzo pasta, all cooked in one skillet.
Składniki
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Add orzo and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add more vegetables.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream.
- This dish is best served immediately.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 540
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, one skillet dinner, easy chicken recipes
